Which Enlightenment principle is most clearly reflected in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? Governments are in
stituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. A. Popular sovereignty B. Separation of powers C. Natural rights D. The natural goodness of man
The correct option is A. Popular sovereignty refers to the principle that government is created and sustained by the consent of the people through their elected representatives, who are the real source of political power. Thus, those chosen to govern must exercise their given power in conformity with the general will of the people. <span />
Popular sovereignty is the idea that the power and authority of the state derive from the consent of the people, who are the source of all political power. This was a very important principle in the Enlightenment period, based on the political philosophy of Rousseau, Hobbes and Locke. It was also a concept adopted by the Founding Fathers, and it continues to be the basis of democracy in America.
